You teach your body to pull you to a PR on race day, but you have to train your brain to get you there, too. As your workouts get tougher, test out different mantras and mental strategies to find the ones that work best for you so you'll have them on race day, and won't be derailed by doubts or distractions. A well-chosen mantra can keep you calm and on target. Repeating choice words whenever you need to focus helps direct your mind away from negative thoughts and toward a positive experience. A good mantra is short, positive, instructive, conveys energy, and is full of action words. Try "stay strong" or "be fast."
(Pace: 10:00/mile)